The "ThumbNail" Compass

The initial test run with a prototype of the new ThumNail compass.

Pros

• Placement is in view but not in the way
  
• Track location with thumb (not plastic base)
  
• Weightless and stable

Cons

• Not for setting bearings
  

What Compass?

We went for a training run on Thanksgiving weekend at Bon Tempe Lake in Marin County, California.

I forgot I was wearing the compass as soon as I started.  It was there when I needed it and imperceptible otherwise.  It functions as a map orienter and for rough bearings, perfect for advanced orienteering.

Use the Thumb

Thumbing the map is standard operation for me.

And I've always been particular about the fit of a thumb compass: Can I point at what I want given the plastic base?  Different compass brands have different form factors.  The ThumbNail takes that ergonomic out of the equation because you are pointing with your actual thumb. Furthermore the capsule and non-existent base plate do not obscure the map.

• Recommended for advanced/elite orienteering where map work and rough compass is the name of the game.
  
• Not recommended for learning bearings.
  
• Will be appreciated by map-thumbing purists.
  

Now, can the Scarborough Orienteering magnifier be adapted to this minimal design?